Sudanese Champions Al Hilal Use Football to Provide Distraction Amidst War.

Posted 27 days ago

As Sudan continues to grapple with the effects of civil war that erupted nearly a year ago, Al Hilal, the country's renowned football club, remains steadfast in their commitment to playing matches.

According to the club, their games serve as a much-needed distraction for people in Sudan during these challenging times.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in devastating consequences, including the loss of over 14,000 lives and displacement of eight million people. The United Nations has also warned about the looming threat of a massive hunger crisis.

Despite the domestic league being suspended due to the turmoil, Al Hilal, Sudan's esteemed football club, has found a way to continue playing by striking an agreement with the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) to compete in their top league starting in August.

Dr. Hassan Ali, Al Hilal's secretary general, explained the club's decision to keep playing, stating, "We are playing during this very sad moment to distract our people from the war." He emphasized that football has a unique ability to bring joy and unity to Sudanese fans, especially during difficult times.

Al Hilal's participation in Tanzanian football is not just about winning matches or trophies; it's a moral obligation to uplift the spirits of their supporters and provide them with a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of war.

Despite reaching out to several other football federations across Africa, including Uganda and Libya, Al Hilal ultimately chose Tanzania as their new playing ground, allowing them to continue their legacy as a club with nearly a century of history and regular contenders in the African Champions League.